DURHAM — On Belay provides unique adventure based programs that build a community among children ages 9- to 19-years-old who have, or have had, a family member with cancer.

Programs are free for participants thanks to community support.

"It's a chance for our sons to meet other children who are going through the same thing, at no cost," said Dawnalee Holt, of Epping, who has spent the year battling breast cancer.

"We love it, we went before and can't wait to go again," said Spencer Holt, 15.

Dawnalee says there are children of all ages, which works well for her three sons, Spencer, 15, Parker, 12, and Tayler, 9.

According to the On Belay website, "...the program was created in 2004 when Crescentia Healy-True, a Durham resident and determined mother, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Putting the needs of her daughters before her own, Crescentia was determined to ensure that the two girls, ages 12 and 14, would have a community of friends to confide in and to look to for support while their mother was in treatment and after she was gone. After researching available programs, Crescentia determined that none were the right fit for her animated, active, and adventurous girls. Driven by her love for her daughters, and in between aggressive chemo and radiation treatments, Crescentia created On Belay.

"Crescentia recognized that traditional support groups are not always the answer for every child and that many children living through traumatic family situations fall between the cracks. She, along with the core group of founding board members and volunteers, believed that using adventure activities to enhance confidence and self-esteem can provide children with the tools to find their way through challenging situations.

"The first On Belay program was held on June 5, 2004 at the University of New Hampshire's Browne Center with 18 participants. Today, On Belay, based out of Durham, hosts six to seven programs throughout the year at multiple venues throughout Southern New Hampshire, southern Maine and the North Shore of Massachusetts, serving over a hundred families from across New England," according to the website.

"We're so lucky to have a program like this in our lives," said Dawnalee.

The next On Belay event is on Saturday, November 10, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Maine Rock Gym in Portland, Maine.